Netflix’s live-action anime adaptations has improved in recent years, going from “mostly failures” to a mixed bag, with massive successes like One Piece and less favorable outcomes like Cowboy Bebop. The streaming giant’s latest project, Yu Yu Hakusho, brings one of the 90s’ most beloved anime series to life. However, its approach, particularly in handling one of anime’s most iconic arcs, the Dark Tournament arc, raises questions about the feasibility of a second season.
The original Yu Yu Hakusho anime, known for its rich storytelling and memorable characters, has a dedicated fanbase. It is easily one of the most popular anime shows to spawn from the 90s. Unfortunately, the live-action adaptation, which spans five episodes, diverges significantly from the source material. The most notable change comes in the form of the aforementioned arc. It condenses over 60 episodes of the Spirit Detective saga into a much shorter narrative, inevitably leading to substantial changes and omissions.
By combining several different arcs, the narrative deviates in a significant way from the manga and anime. Surprisingly enough, this hasn’t affected the quality much. In fact, the show did an excellent job telling so much in little time. The only problem? It leaves little room for future seasons. In the Netflix series, key battles from the Dark Tournament occur in different contexsts, like Kurama’s fight with Karasu and Hiei’s battle against Bui, which aren’t presented as contests but as confrontations during Yukina’s rescue. Moreover, the final showdown between Yusuke and Toguro, a climactic event in the Dark Tournament saga, happens prematurely in their first encounter, fundamentally altering the story’s trajectory.
These narrative choices pose a challenge for Yu Yu Hakusho Season 2. With major characters like Toguro and Genkai already dead, continuing the story in a way that honors the source material seems daunting if impossible. The Netflix adaptation attempts to tell a self-contained story within its five episodes, integrating key fights from later arcs into the initial narrative. This approach, while making for a cohesive standalone season, significantly limits the potential for a faithful adaptation of the Dark Tournament in a subsequent season.
The ending of Netflix’s Yu Yu Hakusho leaves no space for a direct continuation of the story as told in the manga and anime. The series concludes with Yusuke defeating Toguro and resolving major plotlines, closing on a note that doesn’t explicitly set up a second season. The after-credits scene featuring Elder Toguro provides some comic relief but doesn’t necessarily hint at future developments.
Perhaps it’s telling that there aren’t any talks of Netflix’s official renewal of Yu Yu Hakusho for Season 2. It’s possible the showrunners weren’t aiming for a prolonged adaptation but an abridged version that would reignite interest in Yoshihiro Togashi’s iconic work.
Nevertheless, we can’t rule out yet another deviation, possibly an original storyline or a leap to later arcs. If Season 2 is confirmed, Netflix could adapt the Chapter Black Saga instead, focusing on the former Spirit Detective, Shinobu Sensui. Then, if Season 3 is still on the table, Netflix can explore the Three Kings Saga, which sees Kurama, Hiei, and Yusuke, fighting on opposite sides as Yusuke finds out a surprising fact about his heritage.
Ultimately, the decision to alter key elements of the early arcs in Yu Yu Hakusho reflects the challenges of adapting long and complex anime series into shorter live-action formats. While some changes are necessary for pacing and coherence, the extent of alterations in Netflix’s adaptation impacts the likelihood of a faithful continuation of the story. As a result, fans of the series may have to contend with the possibility that the live-action adaptation will not extend beyond its initial offering, leaving the rich world of Yu Yu Hakusho partially explored in this format.
But, hey, at least it happened, right?
Who knows? With Yu Yu Hakusho’s success, maybe Netflix will adapt another fan-favourite Togashi series next in Hunter x Hunter.
